jade bonsai tree

What is a Jade Bonsai Tree?

The Jade tree, also called the Crassula ovata, originated in South Africa. This tree is a succulent, meaning it retains water in it’s stems and leaves. Jade trees thick stems and deep green, thick, glossy oval leaves. The tree’s bark is soft and green when it is young, and ages into a reddish-brown. Jade’s can produce little white flowers in the fall, but only if the tree has gone through a drought that season. Beginners will love this bonsai tree. It is very easy to take care of, but still a beautiful tree.

Positioning A Jade Bonsai Tree

Jade Bonsai’s can be grown indoors in any climate. However, it can be grown outdoors in certain climates that have high temperatures and lots of sun all day. Jade’s need to be in temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) at all times. This tree needs full sun, especially when kept indoors. You will know your tree is receiving enough light when the leaves’ tips or edges turn red.

Watering And Fertilizing Jade Bonsai Trees

As a succulent, this tree is able to hold lots of water in its stems and leaves. These trees do not need to be constantly watered. Allow for the plant to dry out between watering. In the winter, your tree may need to be watered as seldom as once every three weeks. We still recommend checking the soil every day, even in the winter. This tree is not particular about over watering. Feed once a month in the growth season, which is from spring to autumn. Use a balanced fertilizer.

Training Techniques Used On Jade Bonsai Trees.

As mentioned before, these trees are succulents, which means that they hold water in their trunk and branches. Because of this, their branches often bend from the weight. Jade’s respond quite well to pruning. You can use pruning to force the branches to grow on the lower portion of the trunk.

Stay away from cut-paste as this may cause rotting when used on Jade Bonsai tree. Jade’s also respond well to wiring, but be careful, the bark ofthe tree is very soft, and the wire will bite into it fast.

Pests And Diseases Of Jade Bonsai Trees

The Jade Bonsai tree is very resistant towards pests and diseases. So long as the tree is properly cared for, you shouldn’t have any problems. If any problems do arise, there are ways to fix them. For example, mealy bugs have been known to attack these trees. To treat this pest, you can use a rubbing alcohol soaked cotton swab to treat the affected area. Other pests you may encounter are aphids.

Aphids damage the tree’s fungal growth development as well as the tree itself. Ladybird beetles are aphid’s natural predators. Simply introduce the ladybird beetles to the affected tree, and the beetles should take care of the pest. If this does not work, you can also try using an insecticide specifically used to treat aphids.

Soil and Repotting Jade Bonsai Trees

Having the proper bonsai soil mixture is crucial to the health of your plant. Your bonsai soil should have good drainage, water-retention, and aeration. Bonsai trees need to have soil that holds enough water to keep it thriving between watering, while providing good drainage so that the excess water doesn’t cause the plant to rot, while also providing little gaps of air so that the roots can breathe.

For these reasons, organic soil, which is regular potting soil, should never be used. A blend of Akadama, Pumice, and Lava rock at a ½, ¼, ¼ ratio is recommended.

Every other year in the spring, repot your jade bonsai tree using well-draining soil. After repotting, avoiding watering your tree for about a week in order for the roots to dry. Watering right after repotting can cause root rot, which will kill your plant.

The Jade bonsai is the perfect bonsai tree for everyone, beginners and experts alike. This tree is not only beautiful, but low maintenance as well. Jade’s hold water in their branches, so watering is not a big issue. Fertilize every month only during the growth season. These trees take pruning and wiring very well, so this can become part of your bonsai routine. And while it is unlikely that your tree will get any pests or diseases, there are ways to rid of any pests that may occur. Having a properly mixed soil blendwill ensure that your tree is healthy and strong. Happy growing!